Compositions and methods for controlling a honey bee parasitic mite

Abstract

As described below, the present invention provides methods and compositions for controlling a honey bee parasitic mite. In addition, the invention features compositions useful for the treatment or prevention of a parasitic mite infestation in a honey bee hive.

1. A method of controlling a honey bee parasitic mite, the method comprising contacting the parasitic mite with an effective amount of a composition comprising a hop derivative, thereby controlling a honey bee parasitic mite, wherein the hop derivative comprises an alpha acid and/or beta acid. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the contacting of the mite occurs while the mite is in contact with a honey bee. 
     
     
       3. A method of treating or preventing a parasitic mite infestation of a honey bee hive, the method comprising contacting the hive with an effective amount of a composition comprising a hop derivative, thereby treating or preventing a parasitic mite infestation in a honey bee hive, wherein the hop derivative comprises an alpha acid and/or beta acid. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the parasitic mite is a  Varroa  mite or a tracheal mite. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least 2.5% alpha or beta acids. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a combination of alpha and beta acids. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the composition comprises at least 2.5% beta acid and at least 7.5% alpha acids. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the contacting disrupts a biological function of a mite or kills the mite.